If you haven’t heard by now, the Raptors have pretty much pulled off the following trade with the Indiana Pacers:
To Indiana Pacers:
PG - TJ Ford
C - Rasho Nesterovic
2008 17th Overall Pick
Filler player
To Toronto Raptors:
C/PF - Jermaine O’Neal
When I first heard about this trade I wasn’t exactly thrilled but the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. I didn’t like it in the beginning because I didn’t want to give up the pick but I have faith in BC to buy a pick off someone. Secondly, I didn’t like it because O’Neal hasn’t played much in the last two seasons and has been very injury prone. However, many times after a trade an injury prone player goes back to his All-Star self and I’m hoping we get that from O’Neal.
The one thing that I really like about this trade is the fact Bosh gets to play his natural position (PF) and finally has someone with him on the front lines that will also do the dirty work. Look at what happened to Amare when he moved to the 4 position, Bosh could blow up just like that as well. Along with that, even when O’Neal was injured and what not he was still a beast on the defensive end. Absolute stud when it comes to shot blocking and weak side help which the Raptors have needed for some time.
Offensively this is a good trade as well. The Raptors now have two post threats so no longer will the Raptors big man be standing at the 3 point line while Bosh has to go against two guys. This will also open up more looks for the likes of Kapono, Calderon and the other 3 point shooters. This trade (if O’Neal is healthy) will work wonders in the playoffs when the game becomes a half court affair. Having to defend both Bosh and O’Neal will take its toll on opposing teams in a 7 game series.
I also expect O’Neal to give this team some much needed testicular fortitude. Bosh can finally go to bat knowing that another big black man has got his back. No longer will he be pushed around while the tall white men stare and wonder what to do.
Let me inform y’all of one more thing. Jermaine O’Neal has an expiring contract of $23 Million at the end of 2010 season. The same season the likes of Wade and LeBron become free agents. Hey, it could happen. But regardless, we would only be stuck with O’neal for one year if he is a bust. The following year his expiring contract would be the hottest commedity on the market. $23 Million is a lot of money to have come off your books for some teams. This could potentially land us a absolute stud to play along side Bosh and having a solid 1-2 punch.
And what this trade really means is the end of the Andrea Bargnani/Chris Bosh experiment. Kudos to BC for recognizing that but at the same time he should be punked for wasting a #1 overall pick on him instead of drafting someone like Rudy Gay. That being said, I still think Bargnani can be very effective coming off the bench as a sixth man. There will be less pressure on him to preform and he should settle in nicely as the sixth man and score anywhere from 15-20ppg. Also, this may make him play better because he finally may realize that he could be relegated to bench warmer status if he doens’t man up and start playing.
The next step for the Raptors is to get a coach. I don’t think Sam will know what to do with having both O’Neal and Bosh in the front court and also the fact his end of game play is now gone. Yes, that’s right. No more TJ Ford isolation plays to close out a game. Sadly, there are not many great coaching prospects out there. Rich Carlisle (my personal choice) signed with the Mavericks while Larry Brown booked it to the Bobcats. Avery Johnson is out there but I really don’t have any faith in him as a coach. And I know this may not be everyones favourite choice but I would not mind having Jeff Van Gundy be the coach. While he was known as a boring and defensive minded coach in Houston, this man was also an offensive force with the Knicks in the 1990s. Couple of those Knicks teams were known for their offensive skills and it wasn’t all slow it down, play the halfcourt game. All I know is we need a coach who knows what he’s doing and is not always coaching by feel. Also, Smitch can’t be running the same pick and roll offense all the time especially when you have two solid post threats in Bosh and O’Neal. If Smitch somehow does learn how to coach over the summer, I’m all for him but I doubt that will happen.
One last thing I want to say. How great is to have an ill GM & President running your team. Just a couple of years ago BC changed the face of the team by trading for Ford and bringing over some Europeans, makes the team exciting to watch and the Raptors win the Atlantic. Now he realizes this team isn’t going anywhere and once again he changes the face of the team again with one trade. All I can say is, in BC we trust.
And I’m going to miss Rasho, TJ… not sooo much.
As for the draft tonight I expect Rose will go 1st overall and the Bulls will make a huge mistake. Not because Rose will not be a great player but because what the Bulls need is an interior presence and Beasley gives them that. The Heat are in a perfect position. While they may not be sold on Beasley, he is a solid player and if they pass on him, OJ Mayo will be a nice fit with Wade in the backcourt. As for the Raptors, I’m hoping they get a 1st round pick somehow and I want them to draft Bill Walker aka Bill SkyWalker. This man will be a force in the NBA and is the biggest sleeper in this draft.
That’s all for now, holla at ya boy.
Actually, one more thing. It’s more of a public service annoucement.
Missing: Pair of Balls
Location: Durham
Reason: Big bad black man.
If found, please return to its rightful owner.
“How’s my ass taste now?”
And one more thing.
If anyone knows how to drive home from Ottawa to Toronto, please post the directions. Someone really needs them.
